The NUVB represented a mixture of skilled and unskilled workers in the automotive industry.

[3] The union was formed in 1834 as the United Kingdom Society of Coachmakers, adopting the name National Union of Vehicle Builders in 1919.

[4] In 1920, the London and Provincial Coachmakers, the Operative Coachmakers' Federal Union, and the Coachmen and Vicesmiths' Trade Society joined the union, while the Amalgamated Wheelwrights, Smiths and Kindred Trades Union joined in 1923.

[6] The union's increase in dues was the basis for the 1950 court case Edwards v Halliwell.

[7] The union sponsored Labour Party candidates in several Parliamentary elections.